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    Orange County high school Artist of the Year 2026: Theater semifinalists
    • April 19, 2026

    From 220 nominees in theater, 16 students have been selected as Artist of the Year semifinalists for the 2026 Segerstrom Center for the Arts Award for Theater.

    Chosen by a panel of arts educators, these students demonstrated strength in performance, interpretation and storytelling through audition materials, written responses and artistic résumés.

    To ensure equitable access, students are placed into two divisions based on their level of training. Division 1 includes those with more extensive experience, while Division 2 highlights students still developing their craft. At least two Division 2 students are included among the semifinalists.

    Semifinalists advanced to live interviews, where they perform and engage in discussion with panels of theater professionals and college faculty.

    From this group, three finalists and one Artist of the Year in theater will be named.

    “Segerstrom Center for the Arts is honored to serve as naming sponsors for dance and theater for Orange County Artist of the Year,” said Lisa Middleton, the center’s vice president of marketing and communications. “As the largest performing arts center in Orange County, we know firsthand how essential the arts are to a vibrant community. We’re committed to helping keep the arts alive and accessible for the next generation of artists, because when we invest in young talent, we invest in the cultural future of Orange County.”

    Finalists and Artists of the Year will be announced live at an awards celebration on May 13 at the Samueli Theatre on the campus of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The event will feature performances and presentations by the seven top students and is free to attend with a reservation.

    To support Artist of the Year with a donation, visit: bit.ly/4ekUNMv. Donations are made to Arts Orange County on behalf of Artist of the Year.

    If you are interested in helping Artist of the Year grow by becoming a sponsor of this program, send an email to ocartistoftheyear@aoy.scng.com.

    Nathan Andreas, senior, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts

    Division 1

    Nathan Andreas of Huntington Beach, a senior at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Andreas)
    Nathan Andreas of Huntington Beach, a senior at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Andreas)

    See artist’s video

    “Looking ahead, my goal as an artist is to build a life rooted in musical theater and storytelling. Performing has always been the way I understand myself and the world, and I want to continue growing as a performer who works with passion, discipline, and purpose. … I know pursuing musical theater is not always seen as practical, and although my parents don’t fully see this path the way I do, I believe deeply in the power of hard work. I know that if I continue to show up, put in the effort, and take risks, I can go far.”

    Isabella Bassett, senior, San Juan Hills High School

    Division 1

    Isabella Bassett of San Juan Capistrano, a senior at San Juan Hills High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Steve Wylie)
    Isabella Bassett of San Juan Capistrano, a senior at San Juan Hills High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Steve Wylie)

    See artist’s portfolio

    “I think that an artist is somebody who creates with passion. They create art that evokes emotion in people, and nobody can do quite what they do. I also think that with the rise of AI, artists have to be human and put feelings into their art. We see a lot of people nowadays claiming to be artists, because they typed a few words into a generator. What they’re forgetting is that art isn’t just about the end result, but also the process. Creating art and immersing yourself in it is a key component to being a true artist.”

    Maddie Dasilva, junior, Capistrano Valley High School

    Division 1

    Maddie Dasilva of Mission Viejo, a junior at Capistrano Valley High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Maddie Dasilva)
    Maddie Dasilva of Mission Viejo, a junior at Capistrano Valley High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Maddie Dasilva)

    See artist’s video

    “I involve myself in nearly every aspect of theatre, driven not by obligation, but by a fiery curiosity that has been instilled in me from a young age. My hand is always the first to shoot up after a teacher’s lecture, eager to deepen my knowledge of what it takes to create theatre that is authentic and meaningful. Improv classes were my first artistic pursuit beyond theatre; they sharpened my instincts while allowing me to fully surrender control to them. My tendency to overthink my performances dwindled, replaced by a trust in my ability that allowed me to find truth in spontaneity.”

    Maria Espinosa Ventura, junior, Tesoro High School

    Division 2

    Maria Espinosa Ventura of Mission Viejo, a junior at Tesoro High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sandra Ventura Hernandez)
    Maria Espinosa Ventura of Mission Viejo, a junior at Tesoro High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sandra Ventura Hernandez)

    See artist’s video

    “Moving from one place to another for a big chunk of my life made me shy as a kid. I struggled to speak up around my peers and only muttered words here and there. However, anytime I was given the opportunity to perform, whether it was a speech or a poem, my shaky hand would immediately go up. In those moments, something inside of me always shifted. I felt like myself, but louder and braver, as if I had just stepped outside of my own shell. Watching people around me react to this version of myself was surprising, but what mattered more was how I felt internally. Performing became a quiet superpower, a space where I could find confidence, use my voice, and exist simply without being defined by my shyness.”

    Shylan Fernandez, junior, San Juan Hills High School

    Division 1

    Shylan Fernandez of Ladera Ranch, a junior at San Juan Hills High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Steve Wylie)
    Shylan Fernandez of Ladera Ranch, a junior at San Juan Hills High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Steve Wylie)

    See artist’s video

    “My job on this earth is not to make big choices with small impacts on the world, but the opposite. I want to use my gift and my art to make people see the world in a different way. I always envisioned my career and my art to make people feel instead of, ‘oh she was a good singer’ or ‘she was pretty good.’ I want people to feel immense emotion through my art. I want to dream bigger than big. I want to be able to travel the world and show my gift to people who don’t know theirs. I want little girls to say to their parents, ‘I wanna do that’ after seeing me perform.”

    Helen Han, senior, University High School

    Division 1

    Helen Han of Irvine, a senior at University High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Zixian (Helen) Han)
    Helen Han of Irvine, a senior at University High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Zixian (Helen) Han)

    See artist’s video

    “My life motto is to live life to the absolute fullest. To me, that means diving into experiences and embracing the highs, the lows, and everything in between. With each new character and story, I get to enter another world and pour myself into it. My goal is for audiences to live through my art and invite them to live a little more fully outside the screen or performing arts theater. One thing about me is that I am not perfect. In fact, I am nowhere near perfect. I am human and multilayered, and I am real. I intend to show the good, the bad, and the in-between of a person through my acting.”

    Benjamin Stephen Marshall, senior, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts

    Division 1

    Benjamin Stephen Marshall of Huntington Beach, a senior at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Izabella Vosper)
    Benjamin Stephen Marshall of Huntington Beach, a senior at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Izabella Vosper)

    See artist’s video

    “I want to be an actor. Truthfully, I know I will be an actor. Even if I never become some mega-rich Hollywood household name, I want to dedicate my life to acting. If I can have any impact on the world, I want to prove to everyone that you don’t have to be famous to be a successful actor. I know many working actors who make a fine living for themselves while being able to do what they love the most, and I want to prove to everyone that acting is just as valid a career as being a doctor or a lawyer or any other more ‘respectable’ occupation.”

    Isaiah Medina, senior, Tesoro High School

    Division 1

    Isaiah Medina of Mission Viejo, a senior at Tesoro High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Tracy Rinehart)
    Isaiah Medina of Mission Viejo, a senior at Tesoro High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Tracy Rinehart)

    See artist’s video

    “Ultimately, I aspire to build a life rooted in storytelling. I want my work to remind people of themselves. Theater has the power to create empathy, spark conversation, and offer moments of escape and connection, and I hope to be part of that impact. Whether performing in new works or established musicals, I want to tell stories that feel very human. With every piece of work that I study comes a truthful message, and in turn, I strive to progress and discover each lesson presented by the piece. A professional career in musical theater allows me to merge discipline with creativity and vulnerability with strength.”

    Daniela Nieto, senior, Garden Grove High School

    Division 2

    Daniela Nieto of Garden Grove, a senior at Garden Grove High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Daniela Nieto)
    Daniela Nieto of Garden Grove, a senior at Garden Grove High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Daniela Nieto)

    See artist’s video

    “I want to inspire others of my specific color and ethnic background to not fear their dreams, no matter how big they are, because everyone deserves a chance to feel the excitement and genuine rush of performing the way it is inspiring to me. I would absolutely love to be on Broadway and sing, act, and as previously stated, inspire. I love music with my whole soul, I am not myself without it. This is what I would love my future to be, a life full of excitement, love, passion, and hard work because those are the keys to living the best life in my opinion.”

    Madeleine Orozco, senior, Santa Margarita Catholic High School

    Division 1

    Madeleine Orozco of Trabuco Canyon, a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, is a theatersemifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Steve Wylie)
    Madeleine Orozco of Trabuco Canyon, a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, is a theatersemifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Steve Wylie)

    See artist’s video

    “I hope to pursue a professional career as a Broadway performer in New York City. I want to create authentic, complex characters and tell stories that are going to have a lasting impact on humanity. Beyond performing, I envision opening my own performing arts studio that prioritizes accessibility and inclusion. To ensure opportunities for all, my studio will offer scholarships and programs for students who might not otherwise have access to training. My goal is to create a space where young artists can discover their voice, build confidence, and develop a passion for the performing arts. I know what it is like to be on the outside and I want to create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.”

    ChloeLux Phan, senior, Orange County School of the Arts

    Division 1

    ChloeLux Phan of Irvine, a senior at Orange County School of the Arts, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Trina Curci)
    ChloeLux Phan of Irvine, a senior at Orange County School of the Arts, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Trina Curci)

    See artist’s video

    “Film and television should remind the world why it is we turn to art when we feel lost. I want to pay homage to the human experience through my work, highlighting diversity, unification, and ambition. Reclaiming technology for its intended purpose: Connection. AI only wins if humanity grows to no longer value truth. We artists must stress what it is to feel truly touched, heard, and seen, so indelibly so that we’ll never accept artificial intelligence as a true representation of our lives.”

    Michaela Rosen, senior, Capistrano Valley High School

    Division 1

    Michaela Rosen of Mission Viejo, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Millie Rosen)
    Michaela Rosen of Mission Viejo, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Millie Rosen)

    See artist’s portfolio

    “I view myself as a canvas. Some artists use a pen and paper, while I use makeup brushes and clothes. Being an artist means expressing yourself, and getting the message that is in your soul onto the material world. It means exploring the creativity and pushing the limits of what is expected in our current society. An artist thrives on pushing boundaries while staying true to their emotions.”

    Gavin Shams, senior, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

    Division 1

    Gavin Shams of Dana Point, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Rian Otto)
    Gavin Shams of Dana Point, a senior at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Rian Otto)

    See artist’s portfolio

    “I truly want what I do in the theater to be a big part of my future, and I want the art that I create to be something truly amazing that is able to connect others and make the arts accessible to countless people. For me as an artist and as a person, I can not think of a more magical place to create these experiences for others than at Disney. Disney has always been a huge part of my life, from me going to the parks for every birthday, or to me wanting to be the only one in the group to stay late to see the fireworks and light beams ignite the night sky. Disney has taught me so much through their incredible stories all throughout my life.”

    Nathan Song, senior, Yorba Linda High School

    Division 1

    Nathan Song of Yorba Linda, a senior at Yorba Linda High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Rue)
    Nathan Song of Yorba Linda, a senior at Yorba Linda High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Rue)

    See artist’s video

    “I want to grow as an artist through work that challenges me to evolve both creatively and personally while allowing me to make meaningful connections with others. I hope to create theatre that explores human nature and shared experiences, focusing on emotions that are universal and deeply recognizable, because I believe this kind of work has the greatest impact on an audience. I want my work to remind people that they are not alone in what they feel and to create moments of honesty and reflection that linger beyond the performance.”

    Bianca Stratta, senior, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts

    Division 1

    Bianca Stratta of Huntington Beach, a senior at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Izabella Vosper)
    Bianca Stratta of Huntington Beach, a senior at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Izabella Vosper)

    See artist’s video

    “Being a part of theater is always an adventure. Not only do I go on fun journeys in character, but also in real life. It has made a way for me to meet and get to know many kinds of people, who share a passion for the arts. It has also strengthened my confidence. I love connecting with other people and sharing what is most important in my life with others. Theater has helped me embrace my confidence and curiosity in order to do so.”

    Caitlyn Willoughby, senior, Tesoro High School

    Division 2

    Caitlyn Willoughby of Laguna Hills, a senior at Tesoro High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Jesse Madison)
    Caitlyn Willoughby of Laguna Hills, a senior at Tesoro High School, is a theater semifinalist for Artist of the Year in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Jesse Madison)

    See artist’s portfolio

    “I am most involved in theatre when I am working. My roles might be Set Designer and Stage Manager but I have never been good at just sitting back. I need to be moving, building, and solving problems with my hands. My breadth comes from my need to be useful. I cannot sit still; I design, I build, I strike, I manage, and I stay with the show from the first read-through to the final load-out.”

     

     Orange County Register 

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